Daniel Nyfeler – SPEAKERS

A geologist by formation, Daniel did the fieldwork for his Master’s thesis on manganese minerals in the granulites in the Limpopo belt in Southern Africa. Following that, he worked on a joint research project on superconductors at the IBM Research Lab in Rüschlikon, Zürich, together with Georg J. Bednorz (nobel prize in physic

His background in earth sciences and solid-sate physics is also her core strength: strong analytical skills, with the ability to cope with complex details and interdependencies while keeping the big picture in view, both regarding science and economics.

During his 14 years as Managing Director of the Gübelin Gem Lab, he have transformed the lab from a group of individual experts into a team of specialists working along standardised procedures, using the most sophisticated analytical methods (including Laser Ablation – ICMPS) and deploying custom-built algorithms / expert systems & software for the most consistent evaluation of the collected analytical data. These achievement were the prerequisite allowing the expansion of our lab, with new and fast-growing permanent lab facilities in Hong Kong and New York.

The personal achievement that gives him the most pride and fulfilment is the development of a truly disruptive technology, the Emerald Paternity Test during 2016 and 2017. Together with the ETH in Zurich, he have developed DNA-based nanoparticles for use in gemstone materials, giving a completely new level of traceability and hence transparency into the gemstone business. This technology triggered a new era for our lab and is a major game-changer for the gemstone industry. The amount of press (industry and end-consumer press) was unprecedented in the 160+ years of history of the Gübelin group.

Looking for new technical developments in our truly global academic and industry network, as well as sharing – by writing and presenting – our R&D achievements with the trade and the public is one major and very satisfying part of his work.

Publications:

• Description and crystal structure of cabalzarite Ca(Mg,Al,Fe)2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2, a new mineral of the tsumcorite group,
• Gübelin Gem Lab announces the Emerald Paternity Test – Baselworld –,
• Gübelin Gem Lab wins JNA Awards 2017 with its Emerald Paternity Test –,
• TDL Insights: Daniel Nyfeler on Gübelin Gem Lab’s Provenance Paternity Test & Diamonds –